MANILA, Philippines — The Department of National Defense (DND) dismissed a perjury complaint filed against Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr., as the case is based on “unverified allegations” and lacks credible evidence.
In a statement, DND Assistant Secretary Erik Dy said the complaint attempts to shift the burden of proof to the government by asking the Office of the Pasay City Prosecutor and other state agencies to establish facts that the complainants themselves failed to prove.
“That is not how the justice system works,” Dy said.
The complaint stems from allegations that Teodoro falsely declared that he no longer possessed a foreign passport, particularly a Maltese passport.
The complainants are also seeking certified true copies of documents that will prove Teodoro’s denouncement of his Maltese citizenship.
Dy stressed that the burden of proof rests on those making the accusation and that a perjury complaint must be supported by competent evidence.
“A complaint for perjury requires competent evidence, not speculation, assumptions, or a fishing expedition in search of proof,” he said.
The DND official maintained that the allegations against Teodoro remain unsubstantiated.
“Until credible and verified evidence is presented, these claims remain nothing but unproven accusations,” Dy said.
